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The First Day of Preschool

An informational article on how to get your child and yourself ready for preschool.

One of the most monumental milestones for your child is the time you take them to the first day of preschool. For you, it ranks right up there with their first words and steps. For your child, it is the first major milestone in becoming a big boy or girl. In order to make this transition less stressful for the both of you, be sure to plan ahead.

Set up a routine

Set up a routine during the weeks prior to the first day of school. This will help your child become accustomed to waking early and getting dressed for the new day. Start them out with a high protein breakfast and continue this throughout the school year no matter how hectic things get. It has been proven that children who eat breakfast that is high in sugar tend to bottom out long before lunch. You’ll benefit from this as well by making sure they are prepared for a successful day.

Stay calm and relaxed

One of the first steps you can take is to stay calm and relaxed. Entering a new school environment can and does elicit all kinds of fears for your child. They need to feel comfortable in their surroundings. Your insides no doubt will be a bowl full of jelly, but on the outside you need to present a calming front showing your child you feel this is a safe place for them.

In order for you both to feel relaxed and comfortable, it is advisable for you to visit your child’s classroom prior to the first day of school. Registration day is the perfect time for this. Your child can meet his/her teacher, see the classroom, and quite possibly meet some of their classmates. Don’t rush the experience. Let them get a feel for things as you chat casually with the teacher and other parents.

Get your school supplies early

Make sure that you have all the school supplies your child needs including a backpack or satchel. Let them help pick it out. For them, it is one of the most important tools for their first year. All those important papers and pictures they have worked so hard on in class will make it home safely in there book bag. Check out how the other children that come to registration day are dressed and try to make your child fit in by having a few select outfits that are in style. You don’t have to go overboard on this as you want the child to be comfortable during the day. See if you can’t locate some good thrift finds at your local consignment shops.

Sending them off to that first day

When the all important day arrives, take your child to the bus stop and see them off or take them to school yourself. It is important to make sure they know you are going to return for them. This is a new and scary process and the security of returning to you safely is what they will seek during the first few weeks as they become acclimated to the new routine. Once they are through the doors of the bus or school, break down and cry if you must, but rest assured that your child will have a wonderful day filled with learning all kinds of new things.

Remember…

this is the beginning of their future. Starting them off on the right foot will ensure a healthy enjoyment of school and all it has to offer.